Xherdan Shaqiri (born 10 October 1991) is a professional football player from Switzerland, currently at the Premier League side Liverpool and the Switzerland national football team. Shaqiri has proved himself to be a worthy playmaker who has elevated the team’s football performances in recent years. Shaqiri who is known for constantly troubling defenders and creating superb opportunities has made his mark in several European clubs where he has won the admiration and respect of fans. In our Xherdan Shaqiri biography facts, childhood, career, personal life and net worth, we take a look at the notable events in the life of the incredible sportsman.

Xherdan Shaqiri Childhood/Early Life, Junior Career

Born in Gijlan in what is now called Kosovo, his family emigrated to Switzerland when Shaqiri was still a baby. At Switzerland, the family settled at a town called August, close to the French and German border. His father worked on an Alpine farm and also worked at a restaurant washing dishes, before switching to work in road constructions. Shaqiri’s mother worked as a cleaner and sold clothes after returning from her job. Young Shaqiri helped her tend to her wares. The family had little money to spare as they sent most of their income to their families in Kosovo.

His father encouraged him to pursue football after he reckoned that many immigrants broke free from poverty as a result of the sport. In 1999, his father enrolled him in a local football club, SV Augst where he commenced his youth career and played there from 1999–2001.

After joining SV Augst, Shaqiri played really well for an 8-year-old, that he was selected by Swiss club, FC Basel. Young Shaqiri played for the team’s youth club from 2001–2009. He featured in the Under-15 Nike Cup in 2007 and won the best player of the tournament award. Shaqiri performance attracted other clubs, but Shaqiri chose to stay at Basel, playing for Basel Reserve team in the Swiss1. Liga.

Xherdan Shaqiri Professional Career, Profile & Stats

FC Basel (2009–2012)

In January 2009, Shaqiri signed his first professional contract with Basel. The contract will see him stay at the club until June 2014. After debuting for Basel in June 2009, Shaqiri won the Swiss Super League and the Swiss Cup with the team in the 2009/10 season. The next season he won the Swiss Super League with Basel again. In his last season at Basel, the 2011/12 season, he won the national double for a second time with Basel.

Bayern Munich (2012–2015)

In February 2012, Shaqiri moved to Bundesliga side, Bayern Munich for a transfer fee valued at €11.6 million. He signed a four-year contract with the club. At Bayern, Shaqiri struggled to secure a spot in the midfield with players such as Franck Ribéry, Toni Kross and Arjen Reuben. Shaqiri won the treble with Bayern Munich in his first season.

After putting up a good performance in matches leading to the final of the UEFA Champions League, he won the tournament with the team in the 2012/13 season. He also won the UEFA Super Cup and the FIFA Club World Cup. The medals and honours he has already won at the age of 22, made him the most decorated Swiss footballer.

Inter Milan (2015)

In January 2015, Shaqiri was transferred to the series A club, Inter Milan for €15 million. Shaqiri was handed the number 91 jersey. He debuted for the club in January and scored his first Serie A goal the next month.

Stoke City (2015–2018)

In July 2015, Stoke City attempted to sign Shaqiri for £12 million. But Shaqiri refused to sign the deal before the deadline. In August 2015, the deal was finalized with Shaqiri signing a five-year contract the club. In his first season with Stoke City, he played 32 times, while the team finished in 9th position in the league. In the 2016/17 season, Shaqiri led Stoke City to finish in the 13th position in the league. In the 2017/18 season, Stroke City was relegated to the EFL Championship. Shaqiri played 38 times for the club during the season and finished as the club’s top scorer with 8 goals.

Liverpool (2018–date)

After paying £13.5 million for Shaqiri’s release clause, Shaqiri signed a five-year contract with Liverpool in July 2018. That month he made his debut unofficially for Liverpool in a friendly against Liverpool where he scored a bicycle kick goal. In June 2019, Shaqiri clinched his second Champions League title.

Xherdan Shaqiri International/National Team Career

A Swiss citizen by naturalisation, Shaqiri debuted for the Swiss U-21 side in November 2009. In 2010 he was promoted to the senior team. He played in the 2010 World Cup and the Euro 2012. Shaqiri featured for the Swiss national team in the 2014 FIFA World Cup and the Euro 2016. Following talks about Shaqiri switching allegiance to Kosovo, a possibility which did not come true, he went on to represent Switzerland in the 2018 World Cup.

Xherdan Shaqiri Net Worth, Endorsements & Salary

Shaqiri’s net worth is estimated to be about $12 million USD. His net worth is boosted by his endorsement and sponsorship deals. Nike sponsors Shaqiri’s sportswear. The Mercurial Vapor boot which he wore at the 2018 FIFA World Cup that had the flags of Switzerland and Kosovo on it was sponsored by Nike. At the moment at Liverpool, Shaqiri earns a weekly salary of £80,000 which rounds up to about £960,000 per year.

Xherdan Shaqiri Personal Life, Trivia

Not much is known about Shaqiri’s personal life as he shields himself from the media attention which famous footballers are susceptible to.

Though no woman can be said to be in his life at the moment, he has been linked to several models.

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